Dead skimmia

First attempt at posting a pic! This is my dead skimmia referred to under earlier posting 'dead plants'. Any ideas what is causing it please?

 

Sorry Blodwen, its not very clear from your picture. Is the skimia the pale looking plant in front of the pink flowerer - if so from the limited detail, I would say it looks both hungry and dehydrated - and that suggests either the shrub behind is taking it all or the skimmia has a problem with its roots. If it was mine - I'd lift and see what is going on - but it looks a little too far gone to rescue to me.

But I ain't a skimia expert - so hopefully someone else will come up with something.

 

Sorry, I reduced my first attempt at a photo by too much. Skimmia is the pale looking plant. I will try another photo which is more of a close up.The skimmia may well be dehydrated by the camellia and azara each side of it and the wall behind. I have decided to lift it as part of it at the back still looks green and I may be able to pot up that part, and I can check the soil the same time. Thanks to everyone for your help.

 

Blodwen that's a lot clearer, thanks. Looking at the amount of dead stems, I think this is a lost cause - and will not rescucitate into a normal shaped shrub, even with lots of TLC. Twould still be worth lifting it to see what's going on - but I'd take a bet that its both dry and hungry rather than a pest. That is one gorgeous camelia.

 

With a camelia like that, I dont think I'd bother with a skimmia. :D

 

spot on Pete2255!

 

Skimmia are really fussy, need moist, rich soil & hate the sunshine. Always seem to see more sad ones than thriving, in peoples gardens.


Great Camelia !

 

Sorry for delay in replying, have been living it up in Gran Canaria! Thanks for all the advice, I will throw the skimmia. The camellia is absolutely huge and laden with blooms at the moment, it's quite old and right outside my dining room window, and I am in love with it!

 

I agree with F & T, it has been competing for moitsure and nutrients and looks like it is losing. Nice Camelia though. :(